A Realistic Approach to Solving Japan’s Plutonium Problem
James M. Acton, Carnegie Endowment
There is a serious risk that, within the next few years, Japan will produce more plutonium than it can use. The resulting buildup would set a damaging precedent, exacerbate regional tensions, and increase the likelihood of nuclear terrorism. However, if Japan and its key international partners—the United States most importantly—act now, it is still possible to avert these dangers. Most importantly, this will require Japan to commit to produce only as much plutonium as it can burn in reactors.
Seoul to develop 800km missile by 2017
Song Sang-ho, Korea Herald
South Korea plans to complete its development and deployment of a ballistic missile with a range of 800 kilometers by 2017, as it seeks to counter the evolving nuclear and missile threats posed by North Korea.
North Korea prepared to launch missiles 'at any time', says ambassador
Emma Graham Harrison, Guardian
North Korea will not be deterred from plans to launch controversial long-range missiles by the threat of further sanctions, the country’s ambassador to the UK said in a rare public appearance.
Jeremy Corbyn, Labour Party Leader, Says He’d Never Use Nuclear Weapons
Steven Erlanger, New York Times
The desire of Jeremy Corbyn, the new leader of the Labour Party, to scrap Britain’s nuclear arsenal is well known, but when he said on Wednesday that he would order the military not to use nuclear weapons if he were prime minister, it created a firestorm of criticism.
Russian nuclear sub carrying Bulava missiles arrives in Kamchatka
TASS Russian News Agency
The newest nuclear-powered submarine The Alexander Nevsky (project 955 Borei) has completed its voyage from the Northern Fleet to the Pacific Fleet and arrived in the port of Vilyuchinsk, in the Kamchatka Peninsula.
NDAA Conference Report Supports Possible East Coast Missile Defense Site
Jen Judson, Defense News
The National Defense Authorization Act that has emerged from conference negotiations would add $30 million for the planning and design of an East Coast missile defense site and speed up its possible deployment, a victory for some congressional Republicans who have long fought for traction to move forward with the possible project.